How to Pronounce Japanese Words275

Japanese is a beautiful and complex language, and one of the most important aspects of learning Japanese is learning how to pronounce the words correctly. Japanese pronunciation is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance, but there are a few things you need to know to get started.

Vowels

Japanese has five vowels: あ (a), い (i), う (u), え (e), and お (o). These vowels are pronounced very similarly to the corresponding vowels in English, with a few exceptions.* あ (a) is pronounced like the "a" in "father."
* い (i) is pronounced like the "ee" in "feet."
* う (u) is pronounced like the "oo" in "boot."
* え (e) is pronounced like the "e" in "bed."
* お (o) is pronounced like the "o" in "cone."

Consonants

Japanese has a variety of consonants, many of which are pronounced differently than their English equivalents.* か (ka) is pronounced like the "k" in "cat."
* き (ki) is pronounced like the "k" in "kit."
* く (ku) is pronounced like the "k" in "cut."
* け (ke) is pronounced like the "k" in "kettle."
* こ (ko) is pronounced like the "k" in "cone."
* さ (sa) is pronounced like the "s" in "sat."
* し (shi) is pronounced like the "sh" in "ship."
* す (su) is pronounced like the "s" in "sun."
* せ (se) is pronounced like the "s" in "set."
* そ (so) is pronounced like the "s" in "sock."
* た (ta) is pronounced like the "t" in "top."
* ち (chi) is pronounced like the "ch" in "church."
* つ (tsu) is pronounced like the "ts" in "tsunami."
* て (te) is pronounced like the "t" in "ten."
* と (to) is pronounced like the "t" in "toe."
* な (na) is pronounced like the "n" in "nap."
* に (ni) is pronounced like the "n" in "knee."
* ぬ (nu) is pronounced like the "n" in "nun."
* ね (ne) is pronounced like the "n" in "net."
* の (no) is pronounced like the "n" in "nose."
* は (ha) is pronounced like the "h" in "hat."
* ひ (hi) is pronounced like the "h" in "hit."
* ふ (fu) is pronounced like the "f" in "fun."
* へ (he) is pronounced like the "h" in "hen."
* ほ (ho) is pronounced like the "h" in "hole."
* ま (ma) is pronounced like the "m" in "map."
* み (mi) is pronounced like the "m" in "mit."
* む (mu) is pronounced like the "m" in "mud."
* め (me) is pronounced like the "m" in "men."
* も (mo) is pronounced like the "m" in "mom."
* や (ya) is pronounced like the "y" in "yes."
* ゆ (yu) is pronounced like the "u" in "unit."
* よ (yo) is pronounced like the "o" in "yo-yo."
* ら (ra) is pronounced like the "r" in "rat."
* り (ri) is pronounced like the "r" in "rig."
* る (ru) is pronounced like the "r" in "run."
* れ (re) is pronounced like the "r" in "red."
* ろ (ro) is pronounced like the "r" in "rope."
* わ (wa) is pronounced like the "w" in "was."
* を (o) is pronounced like the "o" in "old."
* ん (n) is pronounced like the "n" in "sing."

Syllables

Japanese words are made up of syllables, which are groups of one or more sounds. Each syllable is pronounced with a single vowel sound, and the consonants are pronounced before or after the vowel.

For example, the word "こんにちは" (hello) is made up of three syllables: "kon," "ni," and "chiwa." The first syllable, "kon," is pronounced with the vowel sound "o" and the consonant sound "k." The second syllable, "ni," is pronounced with the vowel sound "i" and the consonant sound "n." The third syllable, "chiwa," is pronounced with the vowel sound "a" and the consonant sounds "ch" and "w."

Stress

In Japanese, stress is not placed on individual syllables. Instead, stress is placed on the word as a whole. The stressed syllable is usually the first syllable, but this can vary depending on the word.

For example, the word "こんにちは" (hello) is stressed on the first syllable, "kon." The word "ありがとう" (thank you) is stressed on the second syllable, "ri."

Intonation

Intonation is the way that your voice rises and falls when you speak. In Japanese, intonation is used to convey meaning and emotion.

For example, a question is usually pronounced with a rising intonation at the end of the sentence. A statement is usually pronounced with a falling intonation at the end of the sentence.

Tips for Pronouncing Japanese Words

Here are a few tips for pronouncing Japanese words correctly:* Listen to native speakers. The best way to learn how to pronounce Japanese words is to listen to native speakers. You can find native speakers online, in movies, or in person.
* Practice speaking. The more you practice speaking, the better your pronunciation will become. Try to find a language exchange partner or take a Japanese class to get more practice.
* Use a dictionary. If you're not sure how to pronounce a word, look it up in a dictionary. Many dictionaries will have pronunciations for Japanese words.
* Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning a new language. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and don't give up. With practice, your pronunciation will improve.

2024-10-27

Previous：How to Say Words in Japanese

Next：[Japanese Vocabulary Booster: The Ultimate Guide to Effective Memorization]